Madame Justice Sandra Mason was sworn in as Barbados second female governor general on Wednesday, Jan. 10 before a packed Senate Chamber, including members of the government and the opposition.

Justice Mason, the first female Court of Appeal judge, is the first woman to be admitted to the Barbados Bar, and she has become the country’s eighth governor general.

The announcement last month of her elevation to the office of Governor General, Prime Minister Frenduel Stuart said that Her Majesty the Queen, on the recommendation of Her Majesty’s Ministers in Barbados, has been graciously pleased to approve the appointment of the Honorable Sandra Mason as governor general of Barbados, with effect from Jan. 8, 2018.

Her appointment comes just over six months since the seventh holder of the office, Sir Elliot Belgrave, retired on July 1, 2017 after five years of service.

Justice Mason has more than 30 years experience in the legal profession.

She served as registrar of the supreme court and chief magistrate.

Justice Mason also served as a high court judge in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

In keeping with tradition, Her Majesty The Queen has agreed to confer on Justice Mason, the honor and dignity of Dame Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (GCMG).